Southeast Asia forum
purchasing prescription drugs
Have questions? Jump to our menu of forum quicklinks
Add your reply
You need to be logged in to add a reply.
Not a member? you can join here.
Welcome to Travelfish, original Asia travel intelligence you can trust
Menu
sebound
Joined Travelfish
21st March, 2009
Posts 2
Member profile
Profile private
Messaging not enabled.
I am on five medications and will need to refill them at least 4 times while I am in SE asia. My plan is to be there for 5.5 months, going from thailand,malaysia,cambodia, loas to vietnam. Will there be any problem getting prescriptions filled in any of these countries? I would do it here but insurance only pays for one month at a time and paying cash here is expensive. Has anyone had experience with this? Any input will be appreciated.
#1 Posted: 21/3/2009 - 01:20
somtam2000
admin
Joined Travelfish
21st January, 2004
Location Indonesia
Posts 6416
Member profile
Profile page
Private message
I'm guessing here, as I've no idea what meds you're after -- but generally speaking, not "not-exotic" scripts, I wouldn't expect too many problems.
#2 Posted: 21/3/2009 - 08:35
somtam2000's social networks[Twitter] [Facebook] [Flickr] [Google+] [Instagram] [Pinterest]
------------------------------
Travel films for Southeast Asia
Advertisement
sebound
Joined Travelfish
21st March, 2009
Posts 2
Member profile
Profile private
Messaging not enabled.
Thanks for your reply. No exotics just heart meds.
#3 Posted: 21/3/2009 - 18:53
brucemoon
Joined Travelfish
27th December, 2008
Location Australia
Posts 1941
Member profile
Profile page
Messaging not enabled.
sebound
I suggest you take your own supply.
Prescription drugs - especially heart drugs - serve specific purposes.
I'm from Australia + I've bought drugs in Malaysia, but not all 'brands' are available there. Often, the nearest product is a bit different.
In Vietnam, their drug 'regime is Russian based, and while some drugs are similar, others are quite different (as an aside, the Russian approach to drugs has some that are far better than the those in the English speaking world).
In Cambodia, there's not much around. If one is 'desperate' they'd possibly pick up in Siem Reap, but not much elswhere.
Thailand has some comparability with those in the English speaking world, but you may end up taking pot luck.
If your doctor has you on medication, the medication you need is a relatively small component (weight & size). So, I'd suggest 'be smart'.
cheers
#4 Posted: 29/3/2009 - 18:37
------------------------------
An Australian Veteran globetrotting...
neosho
Joined Travelfish
13th August, 2008
Posts 340
Member profile
Profile private
Messaging not enabled.
The drugs I take (2) are not available in Thailand. Although one can probably be subsitutited (sp) the other can't. I deal with a small pharmacy in the US and he gives me all I need for my travels and bills my insurance for the monthly amount so that it looks like I am still getting them on a monthly basis. If you go to Thailand take a day and go see a doctor and see what you can do. The cost is very nominal.
#5 Posted: 30/3/2009 - 01:25
neosho
Joined Travelfish
13th August, 2008
Posts 340
Member profile
Profile private
Messaging not enabled.
One other note. Get a letter from you doctor in your home country stating he prescribed those drugs for you. I have never been asked but have one just in case.
#6 Posted: 30/3/2009 - 01:27